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Report: Rich Franklin Could Finish UFC Contract Despite ONE FC Job

After Rich Franklin announced recently that he’s in discussions with ONE FC about an executive position with the promotion, it was widely assumed the former UFC champ’s fighting days could be over. According to UFC President Dana White, however, even if Franklin begins working for ONE FC, he’ll be welcome to fight for the UFC again.

Franklin has repeatedly stated that he hopes to finish out his UFC contract, which has one more bout on it. In the past, White has stated that he hopes Franklin decides to retire, rather than fight again. While discussing Franklin’s future and ONE FC job offer after UFC on FOX 11, however, White relayed (quote via MMA Fighting.com):

“I don’t know, it’s not like if he takes this job that’s it, we’ll never have him fight in the UFC again,” White said. “If he came back and wanted to fight he’s still under contract with us, and he hasn’t officially retired. Rich is out there making some moves. He started a business, he’s got this business that he’s running and he’s putting all his time, effort and money into it, but he needs another source of income for more money to come in. So these guys gave him a huge opportunity and he’s going to take it.”

The 39 year-old Franklin hasn’t fought now since November, 2012, when he was knocked out by Cung Le. The accomplished fighter has gone 2-3 in his last 5 contests.